Seasonal Respiratory Therapist, RRT

DEPARTMENT: 16171 - Respiratory Care Neonatal

WORK TYPE: Full Time Seasonal

NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.

NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we're proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan.

Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. The Respiratory Therapist will perform all of the duties and responsibilities of a Licensed Respiratory Therapist according to NCH policy and procedure. The Therapist will function independently with minimal supervision in all critical care and non-critical care areas of the hospital. Patient populations served will include geriatric, adult, pediatric and infant. The Respiratory Therapist, under the order of a physician, will assess and provide a plan of care for any patient with pulmonary disease or related illness. Procedures and therapy related to critical care will be administered including, but not limited to mechanical ventilator management, ventilator interventions, non-invasive ventilation, endotracheal intubation, airway management, ventilator transports, assisting with bedside bronchoscopy, apnea testing, extubation, sterile suctioning, and providing respiratory consultations. Charge duties will be assigned by the Director or Manager, which include work assignments, EMR Report maintenance, problem solving between departments and/or patients as well as responsibility for the overall provision of Respiratory Care during the duration of the shift.

Correctly follows all Respiratory Care protocols as ordered and reports any pertinent changes in care plans.

Safely and correctly performs arterial puncture to include Allen's testing. Also, correctly utilizes the blood gas systems to analyze and report Arterial Blood Gas results as required by accrediting agencies.

Identifies and properly operates general Respiratory Care equipment to include, but not limited to the following: pneumatic precursors, compressors, bipap units for sleep apnea, disinfection machines/supplies, nebulizers, MDI & spacers, incentive spirometers, bedside spirometers, NIF manometers, pulse oximeters, peak flowmeters, manual resuscitators, oscillatory valves, therapy vest, pap, and oxygen devices.

Provides patient and family education regarding CABG, deep breathing and coughing techniques, pulmonary rehab, and respiratory related equipment.

Safely performs patient transports of intubated patients utilizing the department approved devices.

Accurately performs bedside testing to include peak flows, ambulatory oximetry walks, and bedside PFT's. Provides basic emergency airway management including bag-valve-mask ventilation.

Setting up and managing all mechanical ventilators including modes, appropriate tidal volumes, respiratory rate, pressure support and peep levels. Properly identifies respiratory specific drugs to include proper dose ranges and intervals of administration. Knows how to report adverse drug reactions associated with respiratory specific drugs.

Must be a graduate of an accredited program for Respiratory Care.

Florida licensure as a Respiratory Therapist is required.

Registered Respiratory Therapist preferred.

Experience in a level II nursery or greater is preferred.

Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows